Custom Mouth Guard for Your Child: Protecting Teeth During Sports & Sleep
Every parent wants to keep their child safe and healthy. But when it comes to protecting your child’s teeth during sports activities or while they sleep, many families don’t realize how much a custom mouth guard can help. Whether your little one is diving for soccer balls or grinding their teeth at night, the right protection makes all the difference for their growing smile.
At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, Dr. Susan Kim and her team understand that each child’s mouth is unique. That’s why they specialize in creating custom mouth guards that fit perfectly and provide superior protection compared to generic, store-bought options. These personalized devices don’t just protect teeth—they give parents peace of mind knowing their child’s oral health is in expert hands.
From active athletes to restless sleepers, children face different risks that can damage their teeth and jaw development. The good news? Custom mouth guards for your child offer a simple, effective solution that can prevent costly dental problems down the road while supporting healthy growth and development.
Understanding the Need for Custom Mouth Guards
Children’s teeth and jaws are constantly growing and changing, making them more vulnerable to injury than adult teeth. During sports, dental injuries account for a significant portion of all childhood injuries, with broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw injuries being common occurrences.
But sports aren’t the only concern. Many children also experience teeth grinding, known as bruxism, during sleep. This unconscious habit can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw pain, and even affect a child’s sleep quality. Without proper protection, both active play and nighttime grinding can lead to serious dental problems that require extensive treatment.
The risks of not using mouth guards extend beyond immediate injury. Damaged teeth may require crowns, root canals, or even replacement, leading to years of dental appointments and significant costs. Additionally, jaw injuries can affect a child’s bite development and overall oral health as they grow.
Custom Mouth Guard for Children
Sports Mouth Guards
Active children participating in contact sports face the highest risk of dental injuries. Sports like football, hockey, basketball, soccer, and even baseball can result in collisions, falls, or contact with equipment that damages teeth and soft tissues in the mouth.
Custom-fit sports mouth guards from Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry offer several advantages over store-bought alternatives. Generic mouth guards often feel bulky, make breathing difficult, and may not stay in place during activity. This can actually increase injury risk if a child removes the guard or if it shifts during play.
Dr. Susan Kim creates custom sports mouth guards using precise impressions of your child’s teeth. This ensures a perfect fit that allows for clear speech and easy breathing while providing maximum protection. The custom guards are made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand impact while remaining comfortable enough for extended wear.
The fitting process at Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry is straightforward and child-friendly. Dr. Susan takes detailed impressions of your child’s teeth, which are then used to create a mouth guard that fits their unique oral anatomy. The result is a protective device that your child will actually want to wear, making them safer during sports activities.
Nighttime Mouth Guards
Teeth grinding affects many children, often without parents even realizing it’s happening. Signs of nighttime bruxism include worn tooth surfaces, complaints of jaw pain or headaches upon waking, and sometimes audible grinding sounds during sleep.
Custom nighttime mouth guards serve as a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing the damage caused by grinding and clenching. Unlike sports guards, nighttime mouth guards are designed for comfort during sleep, using materials that cushion the teeth while allowing for natural jaw movement.
At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, Dr. Susan creates nighttime mouth guards specifically designed for your child’s sleeping habits. The fitting process involves taking precise impressions to ensure the guard fits comfortably and stays in place throughout the night. The materials used are gentle on the gums and teeth while providing effective protection against grinding forces.
These custom nighttime guards can significantly improve your child’s sleep quality by reducing jaw tension and preventing the discomfort associated with teeth grinding. Many parents notice their children wake up more refreshed and experience fewer headaches after starting to use a custom nighttime mouth guard.
The Benefits of Custom Mouth Guards from Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry
Custom mouth guards from Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry offer superior comfort, fit, and effectiveness compared to over-the-counter options. Because each guard is made specifically for your child’s mouth, it fits securely without feeling bulky or uncomfortable.
The precise fit means your child can speak clearly, breathe easily, and drink water without removing the guard during sports activities. For nighttime use, the custom fit ensures the guard stays in place throughout sleep without causing discomfort or interfering with natural jaw movement.
Parents find tremendous peace of mind knowing their child is protected by a professionally-made mouth guard. The investment in custom protection often prevents far more expensive dental treatments that result from injuries or grinding damage.
Custom mouth guards also offer excellent longevity when properly cared for. While store-bought guards may need frequent replacement due to poor fit or inferior materials, custom guards from Dr. Susan Kim are built to last, making them cost-effective over time.
Children Mouth Guards
Addressing Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Dr. Susan Kim’s expertise extends beyond traditional mouth guards to addressing more complex airway issues. Sleep-disordered breathing often stems from underdeveloped jaws, which affects nearly 93% of children according to recent studies. This condition can lead to various problems, including ADHD, bedwetting, snoring, teeth grinding, and crowded teeth.
As a specialist in airway dentistry, Dr. Susan is trained to recognize signs of airway-related issues and poor jaw development early in a child’s life. She works closely with pediatricians and medical professionals to provide comprehensive care that addresses not just tooth protection, but overall breathing and sleep health.
Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry offers specialized programs including Vivos, HealthyStart, Myo Munchee, and Myobrace treatments. These innovative approaches help children develop proper jaw alignment and airway function, often preventing the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
When sleep-disordered breathing is identified, Dr. Susan can create specialized oral appliances that not only protect teeth but also help improve airway function. This comprehensive approach ensures your child gets the best possible care for both their dental health and overall well-being.
Protecting Your Child’s Future Smile
Custom mouth guards represent a simple but powerful investment in your child’s long-term oral health. Whether protecting active athletes from sports injuries or preventing damage from nighttime grinding, these personalized devices offer superior protection that generic alternatives simply cannot match.
At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, Dr. Susan Kim and her team are committed to making dental visits positive experiences while providing the highest quality care. Their expertise in both traditional pediatric dentistry and specialized airway treatment means your child receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.
Don’t wait for an injury or damage to occur. Contact Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry today to discuss how custom mouth guards can protect your child’s smile. Call (425) 814-3196 to schedule a consultation, or visit their office at 12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103, Kirkland, WA 98034. You can also reach them by email at hello@evergreenkidsdentist.com.
Remember, every child deserves to play, sleep, and smile with confidence. Let Dr. Susan Kim and her caring team help protect your child’s teeth and support their healthy development for years to come.
Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14720788683151219551
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States
(425) 814-3196
https://evergreenkidsdentist.com/
